While there are various ways to cook bacon, stovetop frying allows for precise control over the cooking process, enabling you to achieve your preferred level of crispness. In this article, I will guide you through a simple and classic way for cooking bacon on the stove, ensuring deliciously crispy strips that will satisfy your bacon cravings.
1. How To Cook Bacon on Stove
Ingredients
- Bacon strips (as many as you need)
Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Plate lined with paper towels
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
Place your skillet on the stove. You don’t need to add oil or butter—the bacon will release its own fat as it cooks.
Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips flat in the cold pan, making sure they don’t overlap.
Turn on the Heat
Set the burner to medium heat. Cooking at this temperature lets the fat render slowly, resulting in evenly cooked bacon.
Cook and Flip
As the bacon cooks, you’ll see it start to curl and sizzle. After about 5 minutes, use tongs to flip each strip. Flip them again as needed to cook both sides evenly.
For crispy bacon, cook until the strips are deep golden brown, usually about 8–12 minutes total. For chewy bacon, remove it a little earlier.
Remove and Drain
Once the bacon is done to your liking, use tongs to transfer it to the paper towel-lined plate. This step absorbs excess grease.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the bacon cool slightly (just enough to handle), and it’s ready to eat. Pair it with eggs, pancakes, or your favorite breakfast foods!
2. Tips for Cooking Bacon on Stove
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the bacon in batches if necessary. Overlapping strips will cook unevenly and may stick together.
Adjust Heat as Needed: If the bacon starts to burn or cook too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Consistent medium heat is key to even cooking.
Use a Splatter Screen: To minimize grease splatters, consider using a splatter screen. It will help keep your stovetop cleaner and reduce the risk of burns.
Save the Grease: Once you’ve finished cooking, carefully pour the bacon grease into a heatproof container for later use.
3. Serving Suggestions
Bacon is an incredibly versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
Breakfast Classic: Serve bacon alongside scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns for a traditional breakfast.
Bacon Sandwich: Make a BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich with toasted bread and your favorite condiments.
Salad Topping: Crumble cooked bacon over salads for a smoky, savory crunch.
Soup Garnish: Use crispy bacon bits to garnish creamy soups, such as potato or corn chowder.
Burger Upgrade: Add strips of bacon to your burger for a rich, smoky flavor.
4. What to Do With Leftover Bacon Grease
Bacon grease is a highly flavorful cooking fat that can enhance many recipes. Instead of discarding it, try these ideas:
Sautéing Vegetables: Use bacon grease to sauté vegetables like green beans, spinach, or Brussels sprouts for added richness.
Frying Eggs: Cook your eggs in bacon grease for a delicious twist on breakfast.
Making Gravy: Incorporate bacon grease into homemade gravies or sauces for an extra layer of flavor.
Greasing Pans: Use a small amount to grease baking pans or skillets for cornbread, biscuits, or savory dishes.
Storing for Later: Allow the grease to cool slightly, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid bits. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Cooking bacon on the stove is an easy and rewarding process that produces consistently delicious results. With these instructions, I hope that you’ll be able to enjoy bacon in all its crispy glory, while also making the most of its flavorful byproducts.
